To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virgi
nianus), some state wildlife agencies and many private wildlife management
units are adopting antler-based, selective-harvest criteria (SHC) to protec
t young males from harvest. We categorized age-specific antler characterist
ics of males harvested within 3 soil resource regions of Mississippi to qua
ntify regional variation of protection with SHC. We used a simulation model
to estimate the effects various selection criteria and harvest rates of vu
lnerable males may have on subsequent cohort antler size. Finally, we compa
red cohort antler size from wildlife management areas (WMA) in Mississippi
before acid after implementing a statewide SHC. The proportion of yearling
males protected differed (P < 0.05) among 3 soil resource regions for vario
us SHC. Therefore, knowledge of regional, age-specific antler size is neces
sary to formulate a SHC that protects a majority of young males while permi
tting the harvest of smaller-antlered, older males. Our simulation model in
dicated SHC that protected smaller-antlered young males and permitted the h
arvest of larger-antlered young males reduced mean cohort antler size in su
bsequent years if the harvest rate of vulnerable males was high. Antler siz
e of 2.5- and 3.5-year males declined (P < 0.05) on a WMA in the Delta soil
resource region after implementation of a 4-point minimum harvest criterio
n, but did not change on WMAs in the other soil resource regions. We conclu
de SHC that protect smaller-antlered young males coupled with high harvest
rates of vulnerable young males may negatively impact cohort antler size in
subsequent years on some areas. Use of SHC that protect young males with s
mall antlers should be viewed as a temporary regulatory solution to chronic
age-structure problems.